Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween that can be found on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween
If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. In addition to CDC guidance we are providing the following additional guidance for Halloween.
- Door to door trick or treating is discouraged
- If candy is being given out it should be left in a neutral location outside (people should not be going into the house or interacting)
- If you decide to trick or treat, do it with family members of your household in your own neighborhood
- Wear your face covering or mask
Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or influenza. CDC provides the following guidance; steps to take when trick or treating.
- Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treater
- Provide treats outdoors.
- Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
- Wash hands before handling treats.
- Wear a mask.
- Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
- A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
- Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
- Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you
- Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.
- Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects.
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
CDC Halloween handout:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/daily-life-coping/Halloween-Other-Activities.pdf
